2009 Ucsd Statement Of Purpose

Elizabeth Fink’s Statement of Purpose Cloning, transformation, and flow cytrometry are a few of the skills I use to study the elusive relationships and interactions between cells and viruses. As a Molecular Biologist Technician at The Scripps Research Institute, I’ve learned that understanding life at the molecular level requires solid academic training, exceptional laboratory skills, and the creativity to develop theories to explain observations. I have studied Molecular Biology, worked two years in an academic research laboratory, collaborated with colleagues to publish discoveries, and am ready to begin a PhD program that will enable me to lead research teams. I have always been interested in science and how life works. I first wanted to be a scientist in my freshman year in high school, when I attended a future scientist’s symposium at the Scripps Research Institute- it triggered something inside me, and really ignited my passion for molecular biology. One of the chemists gave us a tour of the labs and described the research with such conviction and enthusiasm that I was compelled to learn more. I excelled in Advanced Placement Biology and Chemistry classes in high school and was accepted into the Molecular Biology program at the University Of California San Diego (UCSD) as a freshman. UCSD introduced me to the bio-chemical concepts needed to comprehend molecular biology and I graduated with honors. Eager to develop my research skills, I joined Dr. John Elder’s team at The Scripps Research Institute as a Research Technician in June of 2007. The Elder lab works to define the molecular mechanisms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), so that cats may eventually be used as a small animal model for HIV vaccine development. Most of my work in the lab revolves around FIV’s envelope glycoprotein, gp95, and how it interacts with the cell receptors CD134 and CXCR4. My lab skills encompass everything from maintaining the various cell lines we use for protein production and flow cytometry, to infecting and testing the various strains of FIV. I mastered the basics of cloning (Transformation, PCR, Reverse Transcription PCR, restriction digests and ligations) and employ site directed mutagenesis using a multitude of methods.

Depending on the experiment, I will

use either quickchange or Splicing by Overlapping Extension (SOE) PCR method. This enables me to ligate the clone into either viral vectors for transduction, or regular plasmids for transfection of mammalian cells. To make a single amino acid

Elizabeth Fink’s Statement of Purpose point mutation, in the presumed CXCR4 binding region of gp95, I prefer using the quickchange method. I can then place it into the MSX resistant vector pRSC and transfect it into the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) protein producing cell line. The CHO cells produce the mutant gp95, which I purify using affinity chromatography so I can use the immunoadhesion in my flow cytometry experiments. These experiments enable me to test the ability of mutant gp95 binding to CXCR4 and CD134 and compare it with a control of wild-type gp95 binding. I read scientific journals because they enable researchers to share their discoveries. In the paper I co-authored, “Improved health and survival of FIVinfected cats is associated with the presence of autoantibodies to the primary receptor, CD134”, for publication in The Proceedings of the National Academy Sciences (PNAS), I described how mini-Reverse Transcriptase Assays can be used to detect FIV infection. I also recently learned about siRNA techniques and brought them into the Elder Lab, so we can knockdown a particular gene in our cell lines without the tedious work of engineering a new cell line so that it lacks that gene. I have successfully reduced the expression of CD134 and CXCR4, and am already using these new capabilities to help determine the role of OrfA, a gene of FIV that’s purpose has not yet been defined. Working at Scripps these past two years has given me the expertise necessary to conduct complex molecular experiments and prepared me to enter a molecular biology graduate program where I can learn the complete process of scientific discovery. I enjoy working under the direct guidance of established scientists who can advise me how to evolve my theories into discoveries through the process of grant writing, protocol outlining, technique development, and publishing the findings. I am ready to move past the stage of executing experiments and into the realm of complex thinking that leads to scientific advances. Joining the UCSD graduate program with its interdisciplinary approach would enable me to build on my foundation of knowledge so that I may pursue my own scientific inquiries. UCSD is my first choice of graduate programs because of the diversity of its ongoing research, from stem cells, cancer and HIV, to novel drug and vaccine development; and because it’s recognized as one of the top graduate programs in

Elizabeth Fink’s Statement of Purpose the country. As a molecular biologist I am acutely aware of the different scientific approaches necessary to understand biological processes, and am excited at the prospect of working in the labs encompassed by the interdisciplinary initiative of the UCSD PhD program. UCSD’s great location as the hub of the bioresearch community near The Scripps Research Institute, The Burnham Institute, and The Salk Institute makes it easier for scientists to meet and collaborate. Exceptional scientific research opportunities are not the only reasons for choosing the UCSD graduate program. I was impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the friendly environment I experienced as an undergraduate. The ease of interaction between the professors, the graduate student TAs and the other students made the dissemination of knowledge fun. Working in a research lab, designing and performing the experiments has solidified my desire to continue with a research career in molecular biology.